I have the front load washer mentioned above (Kenmore 417.42142100) that is experiencing some problems with turning/agitation during the wash cycle, and sometimes the spin cycle.

The main symptom is that the motor attempts to turn the tub during certian parts of the wash cycle (like right after the initial fill) but doesn't seem to have enough power to turn it - producing a slight sweaking sound. It behaves as if something was slipping, like a clutch. If I assist it, most of the time it will start turning. Also, at certain points in the wash cycle, the motor will turn the tub unassisted, just like it supposed to.

I'd compare it to putting a car in fifth gear and trying to get the car going from a dead stop -- just not enough torque to move forward. However, the other times when it works right, it seems to have no problem turning the tub. (kinda like putting that car in first gear)

Here's some things that may help you point me in the right direction

the motor will turn the tub as expected during certain points in the cycle, other times it doesn't have enough power to start turn the tub. for example, about a quarter through the wash cycle, the motor engages and turns the tub perfectly. then at the beginning of the spin cycle (or the beginning of the wash cycle), it doesn't have enough torque to start. and it's intermittent.

the motor turns freely both ways

the timer seems to work - runs through the cycles just fine

the door lock is functioning

the belt is tight and looks to be in good condition

i do not have an omh meter, so I could not try testing various electrical parts

I have read posts about this possibly being a start capacitor problem, but I do not know where that is on this model washer. I've checked by the motor, but don't see it. Other posts seem to indicate it might be on the Speed Control, but I'd rather not play around until I get some solid advice.

Yes your problem could be speed control, or slightly burnt winding in the stator, or motor brushes on the fringe... but also if you can reproduce this problem, and it always works fine in certain parts of the cycle... it is very likely to be timer related in one way or another.

Let's see if other people have ideas about where to look.

____________________"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
- Ken Olson, Digital Equipment Corporation (1977)

This is classified by Frigidaire as a "Tumble Action Washer with A/C Drive Motor". Here is the service manual for your unit, should also be a tech sheet in an envelope on the left side of the cabinet. Sounds like either the Speed Control Board or the Motor.

____________________"When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Keinokuorma & AccApp - thanks for your replies. Sorry it's taken so long for me to reply, but it took me a while to find the time to get an ohm meter and to get back to the washer.

One thing I forgot to mention in my initial post, was that the washer works perfectly fine with no clothes or with a light load of clothes. The problem primarily occurs when I put a more "normal" size load of clothes in the washer.

That being said, I also referred to pages 50-52 in the Frigidaire washer manual (thanks AccApp) and performed some of the troubleshooting tasks.

It's quite positive that it is your problem. There are two or three direct indications (your measurements) and one indirect indication (slow tumble).

Also if it turns out that the board wasn't at fault, RCC will refund it, although you will have to pay the shipping both ways. Still it is a fair deal - I know of no other place that would refund electrical parts, even after they have been tried. I haven't even heard rumors of any other place doing it officially.